Device for preventing bugs and debris from entering a beverage container

ABSTRACT

A device for preventing bugs and debris from entering a beverage container includes a dome adapted to releasably rest upon and engage with the rim of the container so as to create a near-seal and cover the opening of the container. The dome includes a fine mesh material that generally prevents debris from entering the container yet allows the beverage in the container to breath. A knob is attached to a highest point of a convex side of the dome, adapted for a user to pick up and set down the device. The device may be stainless steel, and may include a circular, non-mesh dome rim around a perimeter of the mesh material.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/307,309, filed Feb. 23, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to containers and more specifically to a device for preventing bugs and debris from entering a beverage container.

When people enjoy their beverages outdoors, bugs and debris end up inside the beverage containers, thereby contaminating the beverages. Ultimately, people may be unable to continue drinking their beverages because of this nuisance.

Current devices, such as napkins or coasters, when used to cover beverage containers, do not adequately protect a beverage from bugs or other debris. Napkins can easily blow away in a light breeze, while coasters can be dirty and unattractive.

It would be desirable to have a decorative, easily used device that helps prevent bugs and debris from entering a beverage container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a device for a container having an opening and a rim around the opening includes a dome adapted to engage with the rim of the container; and a knob, attached to the dome, adapted for a user to pick up and set down the device; wherein, when the device is set down upon the container, the dome engages with the rim of the container and covers the opening of the container.

In another aspect of the present invention, a device for a beverage container having an opening and a circular rim around the opening includes a dome adapted to releasably rest upon and engage with the rim of the container so as to create a near-seal and cover the opening of the container, the dome including a fine mesh material that generally prevents debris from entering the container yet allows the beverage in the container to breath; and a knob, attached to a highest point of a convex side of the dome, adapted for a user to pick up and set down the device.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for preventing debris from entering an opening of a container having a rim includes lifting a fine-mesh dome utilizing a knob attached to the top of the dome; and placing the dome upon the rim of the glass, thereby creating a near-seal so that the dome covers the opening of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts an upper perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a lower perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1 and a beverage container; and

FIG. 6 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1 in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The preferred embodiment and other embodiments, which can be used in industry and include the best mode now known of carrying out the invention, are hereby described in detail with reference to the drawings. Further embodiments, features and advantages will become apparent from the ensuing description, or may be learned without undue experimentation. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, except where otherwise indicated. The following description of embodiments, even if phrased in terms of “the invention” or what the embodiment “is,” is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but describes the manner and process of making and using the invention. The coverage of this patent will be described in the claims. The order in which steps are listed in the claims does not necessarily indicate that the steps must be performed in that order.

An embodiment of the present invention generally provides a device for preventing bugs and debris from entering a beverage container.

As depicted in the FIG. 1, an embodiment of a device 10 may include a stainless steel dome-shaped mesh screen 12, which may be a fine-mesh, such as 15-100 meshes per linear inch, and may be stainless steel material. The screen 12 may create a dome shape that is approximately 2 cm in height, such as from 1.5 cm to 3.0 cm from the apex to the plane of the rim 20, not including the knob. The screen 12 may measure approximately 6 cm to 15 cm in diameter at a circular edge at the bottom of the dome. This may accommodate most beverage containers from a soda can, where 6 cm would be appropriate, up to a margarita glass, where about 15 cm would be appropriate. Embodiments of a dome may be completely circular, being rotationally symmetrical about an apex and having a circular edge and cross-section. Other embodiments may have another shape near the apex and a circular edge or lower portion that matches the circular rim of the container. Yet other embodiments may have a non-circular edge or lower portion that matches a non-circular container rim. The screen 12 may have a small hole 14 in the apex or top of the dome for a securing device, such as a screw 16, to fit through the hole 14 and attach a knob 18. An embodiment may include a non-mesh stainless steel rim 20 around or below the edge of the mesh screen 12. The rim 20 may surround the perimeter of the mesh screen 14, may measure approximately 0.5 cm in height, and may provide structural support and decor to the end of the steel mesh 12.

An embodiment may include a decorative knob 18. Knob 18 may afford the user a means to pick up and set down the device onto and off of the beverage container with the fingers. Knob 18 may be made of stainless steel, plastic or an equivalent, or a combination thereof. Knob 18 may have a decorative shape, and may measure approximately 2 cm in height and approximately 1.0-1.5 cm in diameter at it widest point. Embodiments may include a stainless steel screw 16 or other securing device to secure the mesh screen 12 and knob 18 together. Embodiments may include a dome rim 20 around the edge of the mesh screen 12. Embodiments may allow for the knob to be changed out with another style of knob by the consumer.

FIG. 2 depicts the assembled embodiment of FIG. 1. The knob 18 may be located at the apex of the dome formed by the mesh screen 12.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the underside of the embodiment of FIG. 1. Embodiments of a device 10 may have a rim 20 around the mesh screen 12, which may meet at a screen edge 22.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict an embodiment of a device 10 used with a beverage container 24, which contains a beverage 26. The container 24 may have a rim 28 that surrounds an opening 30. Beverage container 24 may have a rim 28 that forms a large, round opening, such as a glass, a cup, or a bottle, or may have a round rim 28 around a smaller opening, such as a pop-top can. In an embodiment, the mesh 12 and dome rim 20 portion may be as large or slightly larger than the container rim 28 so that the device 10 encircles and rests upon the container rim 28 and covers the opening 30 to prevent bugs and debris from entering the beverage 26. The side of the mesh screen 12 that forms the dome, the dome rim 20, or the screen edge 22 may rest upon the container rim 28. The decorative knob 18 may provide the ability to easily pick up and set down the device 10 onto the beverage container 24 opening.

In an alternate embodiment, the knob may be attached to the screen by welding or otherwise permanently attaching the two components together.

An embodiment may be used by placing the device completely over the beverage container and making sure the entire edge of the container is in contact with the inner sides of the screen, the bottom edge of the screen, or the inside of the rim around the dome. This may make a near-seal that generally prevents debris from entering the beverage.

To make an embodiment, one could attach the decorative knob to the top of the convex dome side of the mesh screen by pushing the screw through the hole in the screen and into the bottom of the knob, then securing it tightly.

In an alternate embodiment, the decorative knob could be removed and secured to the inside or concave side of the dome shaped mesh screen. An embodiment could be turned upside down and used in an inverted orientation to strain liquid. Embodiments may be dishwasher safe. In other embodiments, the decorative knob could be temporarily or permanently attached to the rim of the mesh screen, or to a side of the dome.

To use an embodiment, a person may hold the device by the knob and place it on top of a beverage container with the dome facing upward, ensuring that the embodiment is covering the top of the container and there are no gaps between the embodiment and the rim of the container. The round, dome-shaped mesh screen may make a near-seal with the rim of the container, thereby enclosing the opening of the container. The mesh screen allows the beverage to breathe, yet keeps out flying bugs or insects, such as flies or gnats, as well as airborne debris such as bits of leaves. The mesh screen will not allow the beverage to form pressure from carbonation or other gasses, and the user may somewhat see through the mesh. An embodiment may be held down by gravity, so that the dome sits upon and engages with the rim of the glass, but the device does not grasp or attach to the glass.

An embodiment of a device for a beverage container may include a mesh screen in the shape of a dome large enough to cover an opening of the beverage container, and a knob, attached to the screen, to pick up and set down the device. Embodiments of the device may have a mesh that is from 15 to 100 meshes per linear inch.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A device for a container having an opening and a rim around the opening, the device comprising: a dome adapted to engage with the rim of the container; and a knob, attached to the dome, adapted for a user to pick up and set down the device; wherein, when the device is set down upon the container, the dome engages with the rim of the container and covers the opening of the container.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the dome includes a fine mesh material that generally prevents debris from entering the container yet allows a beverage in the container to breath.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the dome includes a mesh material having from 15 to 100 meshes per linear inch.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the dome includes a stainless steel mesh.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the knob has a bulge so that a user's fingers can grasp the knob to pick up and set down the device.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the dome is releasably held to the rim of the container by gravity.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the dome is circular with a highest point at a center of the circle, and the knob is located on a convex side of the dome at the highest point.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the knob is removably attached to a convex side of the dome for use with the container, and the knob can be repositioned on a concave side of the dome to use the device in an inverted orientation.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the dome has a circular edge that is from 6 to 15 centimeters in diameter.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the dome has a height that is from 1.5 to 3.0 centimeters.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the rim of the container forms a circle, the dome is a circular dome, and the dome engages with the rim of the container to form a near-seal so that the device encloses the opening of the container.
 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a non-mesh dome rim around an edge of the dome.
 13. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a mesh material forming the dome; and a circular, non-mesh dome rim around a perimeter of the mesh material; wherein, when the device is set down upon the container, either the dome rim or the mesh material rests upon the rim of the container.
 14. A device for a beverage container having an opening and a circular rim around the opening, the device comprising: a dome adapted to releasably rest upon and engage with the rim of the container so as to create a near-seal and cover the opening of the container, the dome including a fine mesh material that generally prevents debris from entering the container yet allows the beverage in the container to breath; and a knob, attached to a highest point of a convex side of the dome, adapted for a user to pick up and set down the device.
 15. The device of claim 14, further comprising: a circular, non-mesh dome rim around a perimeter of the mesh material; wherein, when the device is set down upon the container, either the dome rim or the mesh material rests upon the rim of the container.
 16. The device of claim 14, wherein the dome includes a mesh material having from 15 to 100 meshes per linear inch.
 17. The device of claim 14, wherein the mesh material includes stainless steel.
 18. The device of claim 14, wherein the dome has a circular edge that is from 6 to 15 centimeters in diameter and the dome has a height that is from 1.5 to 3.0 centimeters.
 19. A method for preventing debris from entering an opening of a container having a rim, the method comprising: lifting a fine-mesh dome utilizing a knob attached to the top of the dome; and placing the dome upon the rim of the glass, thereby creating a near-seal so that the dome covers the opening of the container.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the container rim is circular and the dome further includes a circular, non-mesh dome rim around an edge of the dome. 